FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THURSDAY - SEPTEMBER 11, 2008

FORMER NORTH CAROLINA PROBATION OFFICER RECEIVES
OVER THREE YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

NEW BERN - United States Attorney George E.B. Holding announced that in federal court here today Chief United States District Judge Louise W. Flanagan sentenced PATRICIA LISA GEDERBERG, 42, of Plymouth, North Carolina, to 46 months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.

A Criminal Information was filed on October 15, 2007 charging possession with intent to distribute more than five grams of cocaine base (crack), aiding and abetting. On December 14, 2007, GEDERBERG pled guilty to the charge. In 2007, law enforcement received information that GEDERBERG, a North Carolina Probation and Parole Officer, was assisting individuals in the illegal trade of drugs in the Plymouth, North Carolina area.GEDERBERG, using her state-issued vehicle, met with her contact to provide classified documents. At this time she agreed to transport and provide protection during the transportation of illicit drugs. On June 7, 2007, and June 15, 2007, GEDERBERG, using her state-owned vehicle, assisted in the transportation of illegal drugs.

Investigation of the case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Plymouth Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney John Bennett served as prosecutor for the government.

News releases are available on the U. S. Attorney’s web page at www.usdoj.gov/usao/nce within 48 hours of release.